Frequently Asked Patient Questions
Q. Are you employed by Wal-Mart?
A. No. I am an independent doctor of optometry who chose to locate my practice next to Wal-Mart, from whom I lease business space. I make no income from selling glasses or contacts, only from providing comprehensive exams and treating ocular disease.
Q. How can your fees be so much lower than other eye doctors? Will I receive a quality exam?
A. We provide a thorough exam with the most advanced diagnostic instruments to evaluate your vision needs and uncover any other ocular conditions that may go undetected, if not regularly monitored. I received my doctor’s degree after the same four years of post garduate doctoral training that all optometrists receive and was licensed to practice by the state of Virginia after extensive testing. We can offer lower fees because our overhead is lower operating here, and we are able to keep busy seeing patients because of our convenient location.
Q. How much does an eye exam cost?
A. A comprehensive eye health and vision exam is $65. A basic contact lens exam is $105 which includes the comprehensive eye exam. If you have astigmatism or need bifocal correction and want to wear contact lenses, or if you are new to contact lenses, there is a modest additional cost. Medical eye exams, such as for pink eye, infections, injuries, diabetes, etc. will vary in cost depending on the level of services required and start at $40.
Q. Will I receive a written prescription after the exam? Will the prescription be accepted anywhere?
A. We will supply a written prescription and summary of your exam as you leave the office.The prescription is valid anywhere in the U.S.
Q. I had an eye exam a little over a year ago, and my vision seems fine. Why do I need another exam?
A. We think it is important that all of our patients receive an annual eye exam. Your vision can change over a 12-month period. A regular check-up enables us to uncover any sight-threatening ocular conditions that can develop, unnoticed by you.
Q. Will you accept my insurance plan?
A. For the convenience of our patients, we accept most vision plans for whatever portion of the examination cost the plan covers. Please present your insurance information at every visit and prior to your exam so that we can confirm your coverage.
Q. Why does it cost more for a contact lens exam?
A. We do additional testing with contact lens patients to measure the curvature of the eye to ensure that we prescribe the lens that optimizes fit and comfort. We may also do an evaluation after you have worn the lenses for a given period to make sure there are no complications.
Q. Aren’t all contact lenses the same? Shouldn’t I just buy the cheapest ones?
A. They are not all the same. The contact lens companies spend millions of dollars every year to improve their lenses and regularly introduce new and better technology. You wouldn’t want to buy a five-year-old computer. For the same reason, it’s best to keep current and wear the latest and best lenses. Right now the companies are introducing new lens materials that allow much more oxygen to pass through, making them healthier to wear and enabling people to wear them in comfort for 14 hours or more per day. We recommend these new materials to most patients, even though they cost a little more, because we think they are much better for their eyes in the long run.
Q. Will my contact lens prescription allow me to buy any brand of lens I want?
A. Your prescription is for a specific manufacturer, shape, diameter, material, power, and wearing schedule which is specific for each individual eye that my examination and experience tell me is best for your vision and ocular health. For your protection, contact lens retailers, both online and in stores, are required by law to fill the prescription exactly as written.
Q. Is it safe to wear a contact lens with a small tear in it?
A. A torn lens can damage the delicate outer tissue of your eye and lead to serious infection. If you tear a lens you should replace it immediately. If any irritation persists after removing the contact lens and replacing it with a fresh lens, then you should come in to see us immediately.
Q. Does Wal-Mart make high quality glasses? Because they cost less, will they last as long and let me see well?
A. Wal-Mart will custom-make your glasses in one of its six ultra-modern optical labs, using top quality lens and frame materials, which the company constantly seeks to upgrade. Because of Wal-Mart’s buying power and operating efficiency, you receive top-quality glasses at an everyday low price.
